Richmond AFLW matched it with reigning premier Brisbane on Friday night at Brighton Homes Arena, going down by just two points in an official practice match.

Tigers’ captain Katie Brennan kicked three goals in an arm wrestle up north, as her side showed promising signs ahead of the season’s start, the final score reading 5.7 (37) to 5.5 (35).

Richmond was tenacious, only giving up the lead in the final seven minutes, and closing the gap to two points after the Lions had kicked two goals clear.

Libby Graham, Bec Miller and Jodie Hicks were excellent in defence, while Ally Dallaway made a sparky Tigers debut through the middle and up forward.

Monique Conti (23 disposals, three tackles) hasn’t missed a beat, and Richmond’s full-ground defence was excellent

Ellie McKenzie (21 disposals), returning from a long injury lay-off, showed some nice signs, while Poppy Kelly was strong in the ruck and around the ground.

Speaking to Richmond Media following the clash, senior coach Ryan Ferguson said it was a “perfect hit-out for what (the Tigers) wanted” to prepare them for Round 1.

Ferguson mentioned, “They’ve made an impact all pre-season, but pre-season performance is different from actual games. Seeing them make an impact in the game gives us more excitement for what they can achieve this season. They played how they intended, and they’ll continue to improve.”

With pre-season concluded, the Tigers now focus on Round 1 of the AFLW, facing West Coast at Mineral Resources Park on Friday, August 30, at 9.15pm AEST.

New faces: Ally Dallaway (trade), Jodie Hicks (trade), Isabel Bacon (draft), Mackenzie Ford (draft)
Notable omissions: Sarah Hosking (hamstring)
Injuries: Nil
Major ball-winners: Monique Conti, Eilish Sheerin, Ellie McKenzie, Grace Egan, Tessa Lavey
Goals: Katie Brennan 3, Ally Dallaway, Emelia Yassir

BRISBANE       2.2     2.4     3.5     (37)
RICHMOND     2.0     4.3     4.4     (35)

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